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Zoysia grass (Zoysia japonica) and Bermuda grass (Cynodon dactylon) are warm-season turf grasses that thrive at temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit and turn brown in their winter dormant periods. Zoysia grass grows in U.S. Department of Agriculture plant hardiness zones 5 through 10, and Bermuda grass is hardy in USDA plant hardiness zones 7 through 10. Bermuda grass grows faster than zoysia grass, but this feature can be a disadvantage if the Bermuda grass becomes invasive.

Zoysia Grass

Zoysia grass has a fine to medium texture and a dark green color. The 1/10-inch-wide leaf blades, which are stiffer than Bermuda grass blades, have short hairs and emerge at right angles to the leaf stalks. The seeds form along opposite sides of a spike. Zoysia grass spreads slowly along above-ground stolons and underground rhizomes, and takes two to four years to establish from plugs or sod. It grows into a dense, uniform lawn that tolerates heavy traffic.

Bermuda Grass

Common Bermuda grass is a grayish green, medium- to coarse-textured grass that tolerates heavy traffic. It has 1/4-inch-wide, hairless leaf blades and branched flower spikes. Common Bermuda grass establishes from sod, plugs, stolons or seed, and rapidly spreads along stolons and rhizomes. Hybrid Bermuda grass (Cynodon spp.), which also tolerates traffic, has leaf blades as narrow as 1/16 inch and forms a denser lawn than common Bermuda grass. Cultivars include fine-textured, bluish green “Tifgreen” and medium-textured, dark green “Tifway II.” Except for “Savannah” and a few other cultivars, most hybrids do not produce seed and must establish from sod or stolons.

Culture

Bermuda grass requires full sun, but zoysia grass grows in full sun or partial shade. Both grasses prefer soil pH between 5.5 and 7.0, and need 1 inch of water every week during spring and summer. Zoysia requires 1/2 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every month starting three weeks after the lawn turns green, and twice more mid- to late summer, states the North Carolina State University Cooperative Extension. Bermuda grass needs 1/2 to 1 pound of nitrogen per 1,000 square feet every four to six weeks in spring and summer. With a reel mower, mow Bermuda grass to 3/4 inch to 1 inch high and zoysia grass to 1/2 inch high, but take care not to scalp the lawn.

Pests and Disease

Both Bermuda grass and zoysia grass are susceptible to pests such as microscopic nematodes, which cause thinning, stunting and yellow patches. To control nematodes, clean soil from your lawn equipment and do not introduce soil from an infested area. Both grasses are susceptible to diseases including rust, which causes weak, rust-colored, patches in nitrogen-poor lawns, and spring dead spot, which causes 12-inch circular dead areas at temperatures below 65 degrees F. Proper fertilization and other appropriate cultural practices help prevent pests and diseases in both grasses.

Invasive Bermuda Grass

Unlike slow-growing zoysia, Bermuda grass can become an invasive weed. Black plastic mulch and shade trees block sunlight and help control sun-loving Bermuda grass. In the summer, cover closely mowed Bermuda grass with clear plastic mulch if you want to solarize and kill the grass and seeds. You can spray glyphosate herbicide on vigorously growing Bermuda grass, but keep the herbicide away from your garden plants. Mix 2/3 ounce of glyphosate per gallon of water, and spray the grass on a calm day. Wear protective clothing; keep other people and pets away from the sprayed grass.

About the Author

Judith Evans has been writing professionally since 2009, specializing in gardening and fitness articles. An avid gardener, Evans has a Bachelor of Arts in political science from the University of New Hampshire, a Juris Doctor from Vermont Law School, and a personal trainer certificate from American Fitness Professionals and Associates.